Interchangeable jewelry segments

ABSTRACT

Systems and methods include a first interchangeable segment having first and second ends separated by a first length. The first interchangeable segment may include a first connector at the first end and a second connector at the second end. A second interchangeable segment may have third and fourth ends separated by a second length. The second interchangeable segment may include a third connector at the third end and a fourth connector at the fourth end. The first and second interchangeable segments may connect to at least partially encircle a user.

I. CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/429,075, filed Dec. 31, 2010.

II. FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The disclosure relates to apparel, and more particularly, to ornamental articles, such as jewelry.

III. BACKGROUND

Jewelry, such as bracelets, necklaces, and rings, is often too fragile or expensive to be enjoyed by most children. Consequently, conventional jewelry is infrequently worn by children as means of expression. For the same reasons, jewelry is not a preferred medium for sharing between children to foster friendships.

IV. SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

According to a particular embodiment, an apparatus includes a first interchangeable segment having first and second ends separated by a first length. The first interchangeable segment may include a first connector at the first end and a second connector at the second end. A second interchangeable segment may have third and fourth ends separated by a second length. The second interchangeable segment may include a third connector at the third end and a fourth connector at the fourth end. The first and second interchangeable segments may connect to at least partially encircle a user.

According to another particular embodiment, an apparatus includes an interchangeable segment having first and second ends separated by a first length. The first interchangeable segment may include a first connector at the first end and a second connector at the second end. The first and second connectors may attach to at least partially encircle a user.

According to another particular embodiment, a method of providing jewelry includes providing a first interchangeable segment having first and second ends separated by a first length. The first interchangeable segment may include a first connector at the first end and a second connector at the second end. A second interchangeable segment having third and fourth ends separated by a second length may be provided. The second interchangeable segment may include a third connector at the third end and a fourth connector at the fourth end. The first and second interchangeable segments may connect to at least partially encircle a user.

These and other advantages and features that characterize embodiments are set forth in the claims annexed hereto and forming a further part hereof. However, for a better understanding of the embodiments, and of the advantages and objectives attained through their use, reference should be made to the drawings and to the accompanying descriptive matter in which there are described exemplary embodiments.

V. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an apparatus that includes an interchangeable segment of jewelry having first and second ends and associated connectors;

FIG. 2 is perspective view of a connecting end of an embodiment of an interchangeable segment of jewelry, such as the interchangeable segment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an apparatus that includes multiple interchangeable segments that may be replaceably connected to form a bracelet, such as the interchangeable segment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an apparatus that includes first and second interchangeable segments that are reversibly connected to form an article of jewelry;

FIG. 5 shows an embodiment of an apparatus that includes a multiple interchangeable segments coupled to one another using magnets or other fasteners; and

FIG. 6 shows an embodiment of an apparatus that includes a watch interchangeable segment coupled to one or more interchangeable segments.

VI. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A particular embodiment of a method includes connecting two or more pieces, or interchangeable segments, of jewelry to create a whole piece of a bracelet, a necklace, a ring, an anklet, a watch, or other ornamental article. Each interchangeable segment may be interchangeable with any other piece to form the whole. The interchangeable segments may connect by using magnets, but may also be connected using one or more of: clips, adhesives, a hook-and-loop fastener, clasps, interlocking joints, twisting caps, male and female ends, or other fasteners. An illustrative fastener may include multiple connectors to form a single segment. Each interchangeable segment may include a different color, texture, shape, or design. Embodiments of interchangeable segments include circuitry (e.g., a watch, an audio producing device, and a light), as well as precious stones and metals.

An embodiment of an interchangeable segment is constructed from silicone. However, other embodiments may include metal, string, beads, wood, and other plastics. The magnets may be encapsulated or exposed. The magnets may be secured using adhesives, crimping, molding, or other attachment processes. An encapsulated magnet may be glued in addition to being encapsulated. A magnet may comprise magnetic particles (e.g., crushed magnets). An embodiment may include an additional connector configured to discourage “breakaway” by further attaching to connected connectors. For example, a clasp, sleeve, or other connector may at least partially fit over multiple connectors to further hold them together.

An embodiment incorporates a timing device, such as watch face. A watch band comprising interchangeable segments may be changed or altered to create a new appearance. The watch face may comprise a metal or a magnetic surface (e.g., magnetized metal) that is attracted to a magnet of an interchangeable segment comprising a watch band. Multiple interchangeable segments, or a single interchangeable segment, may be attached to one or more surfaces of the watch face. The interchangeable segments may include additional magnets molded or otherwise attached to their ends to connect the main magnet in the end of the interchangeable segment. The additional magnets may increase or decrease the designed size of the interchangeable segments. An interchangeable segment may be pushed together, collapsed, redistributed, or scrunched together as magnets connect to form different size bands. The timing mechanism of the watch may include non-magnetic materials or materials that are unaffected by the magnets used to connect the interchangeable segments to the watch face.

Turning more particularly to the drawings, FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of an apparatus that includes an interchangeable segment 100 having first and second ends 102, 104. The first and second ends 102, 104 may be separated by a length 106. The interchangeable segment 100 may include a first connector 108 at the first end 102 and a second connector 110 at the second end 104. The interchangeable segment 100 may be configured to removably connect to one or more other interchangeable segments (not shown) via the connectors 108, 110.

The interchangeable segment 100 may be constructed of a flexible substance, such as silicone. Interchangeable segments of other embodiments may include cloth, rubber, wood, metal, ferrite, stone, crystal, leather, rope, and plastic, among other illustrative materials. The interchangeable segment 100 may include design features, such as one or more shapes, lengths, and colors. Other design features may include a texture, a scent, a light source, and audio circuitry.

The first and second connectors 108, 110 may include magnets. For example, magnets may be encapsulated, glued, or otherwise attached to the first and second ends 102, 104. In an embodiment, the magnets have the opposite polarity. In another embodiment, the magnets of the interchangeable segment 100 have the same polarity. Other embodiments may use connectors that include at least one of: clasps, hook-and-eye fasteners, snaps, buttons, screws, ferrite, Velcro®, bolts, twist ties, cable ties, hook-and-loop fasteners, nails, interlocking joints, twisting caps, male and female end fasteners, string, tape, and other known fasteners.

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a portion of an interchangeable segment 200, such as the interchangeable segment 100 of FIG. 1. The interchangeable segment 200 includes an end 202 having a connector 204. The connector 204 may comprise a magnet. As shown in FIG. 2, the magnet may be exposed and attached to the end 202. For example, the sides of the connector 204 may be molded integrally with the end 202. A connector of another embodiment is encapsulated, or molded within the end with no exposed magnetic surface (e.g., covered by a silicone layer). In either case, the connector 204 may additionally be adhered to an inner surface of the end 202.

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of an apparatus that includes multiple interchangeable segments that may be replaceably connected to form a bracelet. More particularly, the apparatus 300 may include a first interchangeable segment 302 having first and second ends 304, 306. The first interchangeable segment 302 may be the same as the interchangeable segment 100 of FIG. 1. The first and second ends 304, 306 of the interchangeable segment 302 of FIG. 3 may be separated by a first length 308. The first interchangeable segment 302 may include a first connector 310 at the first end 304 and a second connector 312 at the second end 306. A second interchangeable segment 314 may include third and fourth ends 316, 318 separated by a second length 320. The second interchangeable segment 314 may include a third connector 322 at the third end 316 and a fourth connector 324 at the fourth end 318. The first and second interchangeable segments 302, 314 may attach via the connectors 310, 312, 322, 324 to at least partially encircle a wrist, arm, neck, or ankle of a user.

The first and second interchangeable segments 302, 314 may be comprised of a flexible substance. The connectors 310, 312, 322, 324 may include magnets. For example, magnets may be encapsulated, glued, or otherwise attached to the ends 304, 306, 316, 318. Other embodiments may use connectors that alternatively or additionally include non-magnetic fasteners.

The first and second interchangeable segments 302, 314 may include different design features, such as different colors and shapes. Interchangeable segments of another embodiment are identical, or match. Other design features may include a texture, a scent, a light source, and audio circuitry.

For example, an embodiment of an interchangeable segment includes lighting, such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs) that illuminate depending on whether the interchangeable segment is connected to another interchangeable segment. An LED of an embodiment may illuminate differently depending on the type of interchangeable segment to which the interchangeable segment connects or is close to. For example, an interchangeable segment may flash or change color when it is close to another interchangeable segment. As such, the interchangeable segment may include a microprocessor and associated sensing circuitry to detect the connection to or proximity of another interchangeable segment.

An embodiment of an interchangeable segment includes audio producing circuitry that produces sound depending on whether and how the interchangeable segment is connected. Speaker circuitry of an embodiment may illuminate differently depending on which type of interchangeable segment to which the interchangeable segment connects or is close to. As such, the interchangeable segment may include a microprocessor and associated sensing circuitry to detect the connection to or proximity of another interchangeable segment.

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of an apparatus 400 that includes first and second interchangeable segments 402, 404 that are reversibly connected to form an article of jewelry. The first interchangeable segment 402 may include first and second connectors 406, 408. The second interchangeable segment 404 may include third and fourth connectors 410, 412. The first and second interchangeable segments 402, 404 may attach via the connectors 406, 408, 410, 412. According to a particular embodiment, the connectors 406, 408, 410, 412 are magnetic. Other illustrative fasteners may include at least one of: clasps, hook-and-eye fasteners, snaps, buttons, screws, Velcro®, bolts, twist ties, ferrite, cable ties, hook-and-loop fasteners, nails, interlocking joints, twisting caps, male and female end fasteners, string, tape, and other known fasteners.

According to a particular embodiment, the lengths of the first and second interchangeable segments 402, 402 are substantially the same. The respective lengths of another embodiment may be different. The first interchangeable segment 402 may be substantially flat and may taper in width towards the ends 406, 408. The connectors of the ends 406, 410 may match one another in size and may be flush with one another when connected. A silicon casing at the ends 406, 410 may touch around the edges of the connectors to substantially conceal the connectors from view. An aperture for fitting a connector may be formed in the end 406, and an inside surface of the end 406 may grip and hold the connector.

The first and second interchangeable segments 402, 404 are flexible and include different colors, text, textures (e.g., raised portions), shapes and designs. While the interchangeable segments 402, 404 shown in FIG. 4 may include silicone, the interchangeable segments of other embodiments may include cloth, rubber, wood, metal, ferrite, stone, crystal, leather, and plastic, among other illustrative materials.

FIG. 5 shows an embodiment of an apparatus that includes a multiple interchangeable segments coupled to one another using magnets or other fasteners. One of the interchangeable segments may include a timepiece. More particularly, the apparatus 500 includes a watchband interchangeable segment 502 and a watch interchangeable segment 504. The watch interchangeable segment 504 may comprise or be attached to a timepiece (not shown). The one or more connectors 506, 508 may be embedded or otherwise attached to the watch interchangeable segment 504. Illustrative connectors include at least one of: magnets, clasps, hook-and-eye fasteners, snaps, buttons, ferrite, screws, Velcro®, bolts, twist ties, cable ties, hook-and-loop fasteners, nails, interlocking joints, twisting caps, male and female end fasteners, string, tape, and other known fasteners. Either or both of the watchband interchangeable segment 502 and the watch interchangeable segment 504 comprise a flexible material, and may include cloth, rubber, wood, metal, ferrite, stone, crystal, leather, rope, and plastic, among other illustrative materials.

The connectors 506, 508 may couple to connectors 510, 512 of the watchband interchangeable segment 502. In another embodiment, an end of first and second interchangeable segments may couple to opposing sides of a central interchangeable segment. The watchband interchangeable segment may include additional connectors 514-521 used to adjust the length of the watchband interchangeable segment. For instance, the connectors 519 and 520 may be collapsed, or placed in close proximity, to one or more of the connectors 510, 518 to shorten the effective or perceived length of the watchband interchangeable segment 502. As such, the watchband interchangeable segment 504 may include deformations 522-527, such as slits, grooves, perforations or apertures. The deformations 522-527 may allow the watchband interchangeable segment 502 to stretch, contract, fold, overlap, or otherwise deform to allow the connectors to be in contact with one another. Either of the watchband interchangeable segment 502 and a watch interchangeable segment 504 may be interchangeable with other watchband interchangeable segments and/or watch interchangeable segments having different design features.

FIG. 6 shows an embodiment of an apparatus 600 that includes a watch interchangeable segment 602 coupled to one or more interchangeable segments 604, 606.

The watch interchangeable segment 602 may include a timepiece. Another embodiment may include a watch interchangeable segment coupled to opposing ends of a single interchangeable segment. The watch interchangeable segment 602 may include connectors 608, 610 that couple to corresponding connectors 612, 614. The watch interchangeable segment may include metal or magnetized surfaces to facilitate attachment to the connectors 612, 614.

Additional connectors (not shown) may couple to connectors 612, 614 to shorten the effective length of the one or more interchangeable segments 604, 606, as described herein. Illustrative connectors include at least one of: magnets, clasps, hook-and-eye fasteners, snaps, ferrite, buttons, screws, Velcro®, bolts, twist ties, cable ties, hook-and-loop fasteners, nails, interlocking joints, twisting caps, male and female end fasteners, string, tape, and other known fasteners. Either or both of the watch interchangeable segment 602 and the interchangeable segments 604, 606 comprise a flexible material, and may include cloth, rubber, wood, metal, stone, crystal, ferrite, leather, rope, and plastic, among other illustrative materials. Either of the watch interchangeable segment 602 and the one or more interchangeable segments 604, 606 may be interchangeable with other watchband interchangeable segments and/or watch interchangeable segments having different design features.

Those skilled in the art may make numerous uses and modifications of and departures from the specific apparatus and techniques disclosed herein without departing from the inventive concepts. For example, connectors may include multiple prongs, or finger extensions that narrow in relation to the width of another portion of the interchangeable segment. The prongs may include a magnet or other fastener at the end. Consequently, the disclosed embodiments should be construed as embracing each and every novel feature and novel combination of features present in or possessed by the apparatus and techniques disclosed herein and limited only by the scope of the appended claims, and equivalents thereof. 

1. An apparatus, comprising: a first interchangeable segment having first and second ends separated by a first length, wherein the first interchangeable segment includes a first connector at the first end and a second connector at the second end; and a second interchangeable segment having third and fourth ends separated by a second length, wherein the second interchangeable segment includes a third connector at the third end and a fourth connector at the fourth end, wherein the first and second interchangeable segments connect to at least partially encircle a user.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first interchangeable segment includes a first design feature and the second interchangeable segment includes a second design feature.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the first design feature includes at least one of: a shape, a design, a length, a color, text, a texture, a scent, a light source, and audio circuitry.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first interchangeable segment connects to the second interchangeable segment via third interchangeable segment.
 5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein at least one of the first interchangeable segment and the third interchangeable segment includes a timepiece.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first interchangeable segment and the second interchangeable segment include dissimilar materials.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first connector includes at least one of a magnet, a clasp, a hook-and-eye fastener, a snap, ferrite, a button, a screw, Velcro®, a bolt, a twist tie, a cable tie, a hook-and-loop fastener, a nail, interlocking joints, a twisting cap, male and female end fasteners, string, tape, and a multi-pronged fastener.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first connector includes at least two of: a magnet, a clasp, a hook-and-eye fastener, a snap, ferrite, a button, a screw, Velcro®, a bolt, a twist tie, a cable tie, a hook-and-loop fastener, a sleeve, a nail, interlocking joints, a twisting cap, male and female end fasteners, string, tape, and a multi-pronged fastener.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first interchangeable segment includes at least one of silicone, cloth, rubber, wood, metal, ferrite, stone, crystal, leather, and plastic.
 10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the connector is at least one of adhered to the first interchangeable segment and secured to the first interchangeable segment during a molding process.
 11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the connector is encapsulated within the first interchangeable segment.
 12. An apparatus, comprising: an interchangeable segment having first and second ends separated by a first length; a first connector attached at the first end; and a second connector at the second end, wherein the first and second connectors attach to at least partially encircle a user.
 13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the first and second connectors attach indirectly via another interchangeable segment.
 14. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the interchangeable segment includes a third connector configured to attach to the first connector.
 15. A method of providing jewelry, the method comprising: providing a first interchangeable segment having first and second ends separated by a first length, wherein the first interchangeable segment includes a first connector at the first end and a second connector at the second end; and providing a second interchangeable segment having third and fourth ends separated by a second length, wherein the second interchangeable segment includes a third connector at the third end and a fourth connector at the fourth end, wherein the first and second interchangeable segments connect to at least partially encircle a user.
 16. The method of claim 15, further comprising different design features in the first interchangeable segment and the second interchangeable segment.
 17. The method of claim 15, further comprising providing a third interchangeable segment, wherein the first interchangeable segment connects to the second interchangeable segment via third interchangeable segment.
 18. The method of claim 17, further comprising including a timepiece in at least one of the first interchangeable segment and the third interchangeable segment.
 19. The method of claim 15, further comprising including a timepiece in at least one of the first interchangeable segment and the second interchangeable segment.
 20. The method of claim 15, further comprising including a fifth connector to in the first interchangeable segment, wherein the fifth connector is configured to attach to at least one of the first and the second connectors. 